Romanian gang arraigned over 22 pickpocketing thefts

Four Romanian nationals were remanded in custody after pleading guilty to charges of pickpocketing from on board Arriva buses and bus stops.

Carpenter Marian Ciucisan, 51, baker Marius Stefan, 34, painter Razvan-Aurel Stefan aged 32 and salesgirl Alexandra Buzatu, 32, went against the advice of their defence lawyer and pleaded guilty to the charges. They also told the court that they do not have a fixed address. Three of them were in tears and apologised for their actions and pleaded for clemency.

Prosecuting inspector Michael Mallia said the gang was one of many gangs responsible for over 250 pickpocketing thefts reported to the police since May 2013. The police invested resources and time in trying to apprehend the culprits however the discreet nature of the crime made it hard for them to apprehend the thieves. The four Romanians were charged with 22 thefts which took place between 8 July and last Monday.

Inspector Mallia insisted that the court had to treat this as a serious offence as the victims of the gangs had suffered psychological traumas because of the actions of the Romanian gang. The rise in pickpocketing also put fear of crime in the minds of people and put the country in bad light with foreign nationals, Mallia said.

He added that the accused admitted with the police to having targeted elderly people and tourists.

Defence lawyer Patrick Valentino argued against the claim for moral damages, as criminal law does not provide for such compensation. He added that the accused had collaborated with the police from the moment they were apprehended.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti repeatedly asked the accused if they were aware of the punishment the charges they face entail. Each time, the four confirmed their guilty plea. The magistrate remanded the four Romanians in custody until next Monday when sentence will be delivered.